Freshman left sort out Anthonie Knapp is the most recent Notre Dame soccer casualty – South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame soccer shall be with out beginning left sort out Anthonie Knapp within the Faculty Soccer Playoff championship recreation towards Ohio State, coach Marcus Freeman introduced Sunday.
A season-long starter as a freshman, Knapp suffered a excessive left ankle sprain 14 snaps into the Jan. 9 win over Penn State within the Orange Bowl. Graduate senior Tosh Baker changed him for the ultimate 61 offensive performs and struggled to the second-lowest Professional Soccer Focus grade (41.5) of his profession.
The 6-foot-8 Baker graded out at 40.7 in his first profession begin towards Purdue in 2021.
Graduate senior Rocco Spindler, in the meantime, suffered a setback along with his sprained proper ankle and exited late within the first half after 22 snaps. Redshirt freshman Charles Jagusah, making his 2024 debut after August shoulder surgical procedure, went the remainder of the best way at proper guard rather than Spindler.
“We’ll see how (Spindler) progresses this week of apply,” Freeman mentioned Sunday on a nationwide convention name with reporters. “I do know he’ll give every part he has into be certain he’s ready.”
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With Knapp lacking the title recreation in Atlanta, near his hometown of Roswell, Ga., the Irish are sure to make use of their fourth totally different configuration to begin a recreation this 12 months on the offensive line. If Spindler is ready to make his 13^th straight begin, Jagusah may return to left sort out, his pure place, towards the Buckeyes.
That’s the place Jagusah made his solely profession begin in final 12 months’s Solar Bowl win over Oregon State after NFL first-rounder Joe Alt opted out. Knapp’s season-ending damage means proper sort out Aamil Wagner is the one remaining lineman for the Irish with an opportunity to begin all 16 video games on the identical spot.
“We’ll do what’s finest for our program,” Freeman mentioned. “We have to determine that out. We’ve per week of preparation to verify we get the best guys to begin this recreation, and we’ll see what that’s right here within the subsequent couple days.”
As for the flu-like signs going round, Freeman added that “most likely over half” of the Irish roster has been affected by the sickness already.
“Ohio State might be coping with it, too,” Freeman mentioned. “I don’t suppose it would have an effect on this recreation.”
Main rusher Jeremiyah Love (proper knee) has returned to full availability, Freeman mentioned, however beginning wideout Beaux Collins continues to be battling a calf pressure that restricted him to seven offensive snaps within the CFP semifinal.
Collins will “work again into apply” this week, Freeman mentioned, however he was optimistic the Clemson grad switch would be capable to play towards the Buckeyes. Collins led the Irish many of the season in whole receptions and receiving yards, however he has dropped to second in each classes (37 catches, 458 yards).
Collins is tied with tight finish Mitchell Evans for the staff lead in landing receptions with three.
“So long as (Collins) progresses,” Freeman mentioned, “he’ll be good to go for the sport.”
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame soccer for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Observe him on social media @MikeBerardino.

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